You need a CDL when the truck you're driving has GCWR over 26k. Doesn't matter if you're pulling a trailer or not. If the trailer is rated or carrying anything over 10k you'll need a CDLA.
You might some hot shots that don't require a CDL because they're under the weight rating. However, the term hot shot itself has changed over the years to be commonly known as a 1 ton pickup with a trailer but it wasn't always like that.
When I first got into the Transportation business hot shot was simply expedited freight. It was freight being moved in an immediate "we need it yesterday!" type deal and was moved in all types of vehicles from small vans, cargo trucks, duallies, straight trucks, semis etc etc.
Maybe the non-CDL jobs you're seeing of the old school variations. Either way, you should reach out to carriers directly and inquire. You'll have better success in the long run.
The reason there's more semi driver jobs is because customers can move way more cargo (about 48k) per load compared to a fraction of that on a smaller combination unit for the same amount of money or less.
Any Hot Shot jobs / companies that provide a truck?
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by LoyalWingman, May 12, 2025.
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